CHICAGO (670 The Score) -- With an eye on the present as well as the future, the Cubs signed All-Star outfielder Ian Happ to a three-year extension on Wednesday for a reported $61 million. The 28-year-old Happ was scheduled to become a free agent after the 2023 season
Negotiations had dragged through the winter and early spring training before the deal came to fruition the past two days.
"We started in January having pretty consistent conversations with his agents," Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said. "There was a lot of different structures discussed. We realized that a shorter rather than longer contract would work. We are thrilled to keep him here for three additional years. We are glad we got it across the finish line."
Happ had a breakout season in 2022. The Pittsburgh native became a first time All-Star and Gold Glove winner. He also set career-high marks with a .271 batting average, 72 RBI, 155 hits, 252 total bases and 158 games played.
The No. 9 overall pick to the Cubs in the 2015 MLB Draft, Happ’s breakthrough last season set himself for the opportunity to land a new contract in Chicago.
"For me just to be able to stay here and get the deal done made a lot of sense." Happ said. "This is really rewarding. Compromise was what really got the deal done. It’s compromising on structure and on terms. It is three years and runs through my baseball prime, even though I can go out back to the market at age 32. That was my concession to be here.
“I really, really wanted to be here. I really wanted to play with these guys. Nico (Hoerner), Seiya (Suzuki), (Jameson) Tallion and Dansby (Swanson), the guys who are going to be here. The city and the fan base and what it means to me, is why I was willing to discuss a three-year term. That was what was going to get it done.”
Happ made his MLB debut in 2017, appearing in 115 games hitting 24 home runs that season. He shifted from center field to left field prior to last season, earning Gold Glove honors for the first time in his career.
After the Cubs traded off Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant and Javier Baez in 2021, Happ became one of the team leaders both on and off the field. He has been a staunch MLBPA leader and union rep for the Cubs since 2020.
"Leadership comes with experience and with playing everyday," Happ said about his role as a teammate. "You must be there every day and available to post for the group. I think I can provide enough wisdom and stability to help. Even in my down years I was able to build some positive things going forward."
With that eye on the future, and a strong group of minor league outfielders matriculating through the farm system, it appeared that Happ might be passed over in his quest to sign an extension.
Young outfielders Pete Crow-Armstrong and Brennan Davis are considered the top two prospects in the Cubs’ system and just one step away from playing for the parent club. The seven-year deal was just not what the Cubs wanted to do at this point.
With a mutual respect on both sides the deal got done on Tuesday.
“You get to arbitration and that's an accomplishment and after that you fight year to year to continue to grow in your baseball life. Happ said. “Getting a multi-year guaranteed contract is really awesome. I am excited about the future and playing with this group. We know a bunch of us will be here for a long time."
In the end, the Cubs’ front office made a commitment to the rebuild with organization players. They are making a statement by giving extensions to Nico Hoerner and Happ through their peak career years without locking in past age 31 for Happ and 29 for Hoerner.
This type of stealth management gives these players lifetime security and the Cubs flexibility to try and win and change the roster in a quick, efficient manner.
"He is a grinder and cornerstone to what this franchise is about," Cubs right-hander Marcus Stroman said.
The Cubs’ farm system is expected to provide the lion's share of the players to compete for this ballclub, the long-term plan set forth by Hoyer and ownership.
In securing Happ’s services for the next four years, the Cubs locked in a key figure for their present and future.
"I see a situation in our lineup where the top four guys are all in prime age, and all signed until at least 2026,” Hoyer said. “I am really thrilled to have that stability. This was certainly a priority to get these deals done.”
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